Abstract: A capacitive sensing system may include a fluid cup configured to receive a fluid, and processing circuitry and a capacitive sensor coupled to one another, the capacitive sensor is a distance separated from and in parallel with a top surface of the fluid in the fluid cup, the distance the capacitive sensor is separated from the top surface of the fluid being variable with a fill level of the fluid in the fluid cup. The capacitive sensor and the fluid in the fluid cup may form elements of a capacitor with a capacitance that is a function of at least the distance the capacitive sensor is separated from the top surface of the fluid. The processing circuitry may be configured to measure a change in signal corresponding to a change in capacitance of the capacitor and determine the fill level based on a magnitude of the change in signal.

Abstract: A solid-production system for producing a solid on demand is provided herein. In some aspects, the solid-production system includes a conveying mechanism; a fluid-dispensing mechanism; a pressure plate arranged to urge the fluid mold into interaction with a cooling block to form a solid; a solid-dispensing mechanism arranged to dispense the solid loosened by a solid ejector to a user; and processing circuitry configured to implement a master state machine, and slave state machines for respective ones of the fluid-dispensing mechanism, conveying mechanism, pressure plate and solid-dispensing mechanism, wherein the master state machine is configured to send commands to the slave state machines based on states of the slave state machines, and the slave state machines are configured to execute the commands to control the respective ones of the conveying mechanism, fluid-dispensing mechanism, pressure plate, and solid-dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A solid-production system for producing a solid on demand is disclosed herein. In some aspects, the solid-production system includes a cooling block arranged to interact with one or more fluid molds to reduce a first temperature of a fluid dispensed in each of the one or more fluid molds to a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than the first temperature, to solidify the fluid in each of the one or more fluid molds; wherein the cooling block has a thermal mass operable to absorb and store thermal energy transferred by the fluid in each of the one or more fluid molds so as to reduce the first temperature of the fluid to the second temperature.

Abstract: A solid-production system for producing a solid on demand is provided herein. In some aspects, the solid-production system includes a conveying mechanism; a fluid-dispensing mechanism; a pressure plate arranged to urge the fluid mold into interaction with a cooling block to form a solid; a solid-dispensing mechanism arranged to dispense the solid loosened by a solid ejector to a user; and processing circuitry configured to implement a master state machine, and slave state machines for respective ones of the fluid-dispensing mechanism, conveying mechanism, pressure plate and solid-dispensing mechanism, wherein the master state machine is configured to send commands to the slave state machines based on states of the slave state machines, and the slave state machines are configured to execute the commands to control the respective ones of the conveying mechanism, fluid-dispensing mechanism, pressure plate, and solid-dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A rotation detection system for detecting the rotation of a lock dial includes a magnet coupled to the lock dial to generate a changing magnetic field in response to rotation of the lock dial, a sensor disposed near enough to the magnet to detect the magnetic field and provide a sensor output signal indicative of the magnetic field, and a controller coupled to the sensor for receiving the sensor output signal, the controller providing a controller output signal in response to a change in the sensor output signal. An alarm interface can receive the controller output signal and provide an alarm signal.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a container having an interior region is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the lock assembly includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons on a first surface of the keypad, a light-emitting diode, and a bezel surrounding at least a portion of the keypad. The bezel includes a reflective surface positioned to reflect a light from the light-emitting diode, the reflected light illuminating the plurality of buttons.

Abstract: A rotation detection system for detecting the rotation of a lock dial includes a magnet coupled to the lock dial to generate a changing magnetic field in response to rotation of the lock dial, a sensor disposed near enough to the magnet to detect the magnetic field and provide a sensor output signal indicative of the magnetic field, and a controller coupled to the sensor for receiving the sensor output signal, the controller providing a controller output signal in response to a change in the sensor output signal. An alarm interface can receive the controller output signal and provide an alarm signal.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a container having an interior region is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the lock assembly includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons on a first surface of the keypad, a light-emitting diode, and a bezel surrounding at least a portion of the keypad. The bezel includes a reflective surface positioned to reflect a light from the light-emitting diode, the reflected light illuminating the plurality of buttons.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a container having an interior region is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the lock assembly includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons on a first surface of the keypad, a light-emitting diode, and a bezel surrounding at least a portion of the keypad. The bezel includes a reflective surface positioned to reflect a light from the light-emitting diode, the reflected light illuminating the plurality of buttons.

Abstract: A lock assembly (16) for securing a container (10) having an interior region is disclosed. The lock assembly (16) includes a housing (18) positionable on the interior of the container (10), a bolt (26) moveable relative to the housing (18) between an extended position inhibiting access to the interior region of the container (10) and a retracted position to facilitate access to the interior region, a dial (20) positionable on an exterior of the container (10). The dial (20) includes a plurality of indicators (30, 32) indicative of a plurality of dial positions, and an electronic controller (46) operably coupled to the dial (20) to detect the relative position of the dial (20) to determine if a combination entered with the dial (20) provides authorization to move the bolt (26) from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A self-powered circuit interrupter arrangement for interrupting current in a circuit path uses a current-blocking component to ensure that an insufficient amount of accumulated power for actuating and completing interruption of the circuit path is not misused in an unwarranted attempt to interrupt the current path. The arrangement includes a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path and a power supply operating from the current signal to provide a voltage signal of a predetermined value relative to common. A trip command circuit, in response to a fault detected in the circuit path, sends an electrical signal commanding that the circuit path be interrupted by using the voltage signal. The electrical signal is sent to an electrical latch located electrically in series with a coil of a solenoid mechanism.